Gulf Restoration Network

The scientists warn that only through comprehensive, long-term monitoring will the real effects of the spill on many Gulf species be known. Additionally, we must ensure now that a comprehensive ecosystem-based monitoring plan be developed and implemented, rather than piece meal monitoring, so that impacts to the foodweb and other important but often overlooked aspects of the ecosystem can be studied.  Otherwise, like Alaska, we will be left with a piecemeal approach that ignores damage to the ecosystem that can have long-term effects on species, such as red snapper, grouper, dolphins, turtles and birds.